Sierra County advocate. [volume] (Kingston, N.M.) 1884-1960, 1887-06-03

| llDcrate ann, ana ilreS with the SatlSIac-
ton of bringing redskin from his sad
die Dick fires at the same moment
but without apparent effect. The In
dians return the fire, but evidently
realizing that they are held at disad-
vantage, and not knowing the number
of their concealed foes, after riding to
safe distance and engaging in short
parley, turn, and carrying with them
Jheir dead comrade ride back DER the
trail.
Waiting only long enough to ascrt&n
taht they do not intend to return, I1k
and the scout turn to look after the
Captain. They find him Just recover
ing consciousness, and, upon examina-
ton. they discover that the charge has
produced but flesh wound, the Cap
tain having fallen more from exhaust
ion than from any other cause.
"Well, old man, you have had mar
row escape" exclaimed the old scout,
when the Captain was able to speak.
| What has happened over your wayP'
Thus questioned. the Captain relates
the incidents that led 10 his exciting
| race.
iIt Dttll anu was lNiul
ing, when riding in view of his ranch
he beheld the red marauders in the
act of firing his home; while in their
midst a prisoner. stood his daughter.
Neleta, a beautiful young maiden of
between nineteen and twenty years OF
age. His love for his child had nearly
forced him to her side but, reason u.s.
serting itself, showed him the fool
hardness of the act, and he realized
that his presence would not in the least
benefit her and only prevent him from
conniving at her rescue. Knowing that
the old scout was somewhere in the
neighborhood, he was on the point Of
Fastening in search of him that he
might obtain his aid, when he was dis
covered by humber of the warriors.
who Immediately gave chase with the
foregoing result.
As soon as the Captain had concIud-
ed his narration, the scout turned to
Dick and bade him proceed as quickly
as possible to the secret cavern in the
hills and procure horse and arms for
the Captain, and provisions they would
need for an extended journey; and also
an extra animal to be held in readiness
for Neleta, when they should have eff
fccted her rescue, while they reconoiter-
ed as well as possible under the circum-
stances until his return; and telling
him to meet them at the ruins of the
ranch, as it would be from there that
they would take the trail.
Dick set out immediately, while Cap
tain Ration with the old scout started
for the vicinity of his desolated home;
the Captain riding and the scout making
the best of his way on foot, for he would
not hear of his friend walking after
the terrible experience he had endured.
Arriving at his home, Ration beheld
nothing but the smoking ruins, the red
skins having taken their departure,
and to the northward as the trail in-
dicated.
"Well, there is nothing we can do
but wait for Dicks return; and then
we will take the trail" said the scout
but. scout. how can | remain inact-
i've, knowing that my daughter is in
the hands of those demons" replied
Ration excitedlv.
"But you mast, Captain, you can do
nothing until you are equipped for the
expedition, feel as great concern re-
garding her safety as you. but it will
not do to be too hasty We must 90
slow or we will run into a trap and be
Gagged ourselves. Those Apaches are
cunning dogs. Captain"
II realize that. scout, and will place
all in your hands and be guided by
your counsel,
40 ~ al o1
ready dark, and, as not hing could be
done till daylight returned. they pre-
pared to make themselves as comfort
able as possible for the night, after
partaking of slight repast.
AS soon as daylight appeared they
took to the trail, the old scout taking
the lead and following it with unerring
eve.
The first day they travelled swiftly
The trail leading over the level prairie
gave no chance for an ambush; but
toward dusk they struck the foothills
leading to the mountains, where the
savages. were seeking to take refuge
after their murderous raid.
That night they camped on the trail,
and early the following morning pur-
sued their course. but with more eau
ton than on the preceding day, owing
to the scouts repeated warnings.
Certain indications showed that the
Indians were iourneying more leisurcly
and with less watchfulness. no doubt
believing they would not be followed,
thinking that the Captain would be
compelled TO return TO the settlement
for aid, thus giving them plenty of
time for an effec;ual escape.
The trail being broad and plain had
given our friends no trouble. aud on
the second day ont, Just as twilight was
beginning to throw its shadows about
them, they beheld from lofty hilltop,
the ires OF the msuspeoting sdyages.
Waiting till the shadows of night had
settled down enshroudng them in i'm.
pcnetraple gloom, they proceeded care
fully. picking their way and using the
camp fires as a guide, until they had
approached as near rs safety would al
low, when, dismounting and conceal
ing their horses they prepared to adj
vance the remaining distance on foot.
Nov. Captain" sqid the scout II
RELY on your leaving everything to me.
and whatever happens control yourself
and do nothing rashlv."
A a safe distance from the sleeping
camp the scout halted. and, requested
Raon and Dick 10 romain quiet and
G-va.t his yeia-n proceeded forward TO
reccaueiler